Straight to the Heart. Was he truly a wild, wild rake? Devan Farris, vicar, was undeniably handsome and charming and had a reputation, whether it was truly earned or not. Sometimes people saw what they wanted. He was really not happy when his brother, who was the guardian of Lady Avalon Warwyk's , sent him to Thistledown, near her estate to become the vicar there and tutor her young son. Unfortunately he was to spy on her and see where are her money was coming from she was spending on her "charitable endeavors". This was that last thing he wanted to do because he had witnessed the cruelty of her husband, Richard before he died.
Avalon had enjoyed being free from her husband these last ten years. She has thrived doing what she can to help the women who had little choices in their lives and fallen into the only life they could. She never wants to marry again, one horrible time was enough. But when she receives the letter from her son's guardian that his brother Devan is coming to take up the vicorship and tutor her son, she knows he is only coming to spy.
These two are in for a journey of finding out who each other really are and what in the end matters the most. Janna MacGregor always speaks to me in her writing and pulls me into her created words to find that love truly can win the day and redeem those who thought never thought to have it. Sigh.

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor is book 6 in The Cavensham Heiresses Series. This is the story of Devan Farris and Avalon Warwyck. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one, but I did feel this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Avalon husband has past away leaving her and her son Thane. Avalon's marriage was not a good one at all. So Avalon has set out to of course raise her son but also help unfortunate women too. Devan is vicar with a reputation that presides him so Avalon isn't so sure of him. But Devan has been asked by his older brother who is the guardian of Avalon's son to go to them with the attention to check on them. But Devan has himself being attracted to Avalon which he easily walk away from.
Enjoyed their story.

Wild, Wild Rake is the 6th book in the Cavensham Heiresses series. It's first I have read in the series and it holds up very well as a stand alone. I never felt lost. This one is Devon and Avalon's story. I wasn't too sure if I would like this book in the beginning. The opening scenes are heartbreaking and anger inducing. However, I am glad I stuck with it. Devon is officially on my ever growing book boyfriend list. He was the best part of this book. I loved how he won Avalon over. Avalon was a wonderful character. I loved her big heart and how she turned a horrible situation into one where she could give back to others. The other characters were fun and added so much to the story. There is one couple toward the end that we only get a hint of. I would love their story in a novella. I highly recommend his one. I want to back to the beginning now and read the back list for this series.

Since I'm a sucker for historical romance, I requested an arc for Wild, Wild Rake. Although I hadn't read any of the previous parts of the Cavensham heiresses series, it is perfectly readable without the other stories. Avalon is a fierce woman, who has had a rough childhood and a loveless marriage. Now she is raising her son on her own, while providing care for homeless and abused women. I love her already.
When the appointed guardian of her son is afraid she is spending all of the inheritance of her deceased husband, he has his younger brother appointed vicar in her community. Avalon detests Mr. Farris, because he was cruel to her, just like her late husband. So when his younger brother, Devan Farris, suddenly becomes the vicar in her parish, she knows he has been sent to spy on her.
What she doesn't know, is that Devan doesn't want to be sent there. And he doesn't want to spy for his brother. But he is not given a choice. When both Devan and Avalon meet, Devan can't help but feel a certain attraction to this spitfire of a woman. But how can he convince her, that he is not the rake everyone thinks him to be? Especially when girls throw themselves at his feet.
Avalon can't deny the attraction simmering between her and Devan. But she is not in the market for a husband and she certainly won't be attracted to the vicar. Or will she? And how will she act, when Devan is in trouble? Will she help him out or will she use this opportunity to get rid of him for good? Find out for yourself in this wonderful read. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

If you know me and my blog, you probably know I’m definitely into Historical Romance novels. There’s just something about the etiquette of that time which really works for me and I’ve read several Historical Romance novels that I absolutely adored. So when I was asked to read and review ‘Wild, Wild Rake’, I was immediately super excited. Although this book is the sixth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. ‘Wild, Wild Rake’ is my first book by Janna MacGregor.

In ‘Wild, Wild Rake’ we follow the story of Avalon. Avalon lives with her ten year old son after being widowed ten years ago. Her marriage was horrible, and she is grateful every day that her husband isn’t around anymore. Now Avalon does her best to help fallen woman, and be the best mom for her son. When Devan, the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian shows up to spy on her. She is determined to make him leave. His reputation as a rake is something she is disgusted about, and she wants nothing to do with him. But soon Avalon and Devan learn that not everything they hear is true.

Although this book is a part of a series, I never once felt like I was missing out on stuff. Which is a great thing, and not something that happens a lot. Sure there are many books in series you can read as a standalone, and you still wonder if some stuff would be clearer if you read the previous books. This wasn’t the case with this book.

After I started reading, it took me a very long time to really get into this book. I was determined though to keep on going. So I did. But things moved really slow in this read. The romance between Avalon and Devan, not only took them a long time to figure out.. I also didn’t ‘feel’ their attraction to one another for a long time. And when the book came to its conclusion, I enjoyed their romance but didn’t love it.

The character of Avalon was one I definitely liked. She was strong and independent. And she really made what of herself despite her horrible marriage and her parents sort of selling her off. I admired her, and the way she stood up to man especially since this wasn’t all that common in that day.

Devan’s character was mysterious, and it took me a while to figure him out. But the reason he was a known as a rake was a little strange to me.

Overall I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. It was a fun read, but I wished for more.

I absolutely loved this story. Janna MacGregor certainly does not disappoint when writing about Rakes

when I was contacted to read another book of Janna MacGregor, I just coudn´t say no, because it´s not the first book I read by her. I loved the previous one, so I had huge hopes for this as well. 

However, I could´t connect with this one as much as I did with the previous one. Of course, there were passion, there were intrigue, adventures and much more. But there were also few things, that I couldn´t not notice. 

Firstly, I didn´t like Avalon. Yes, she had a right to be bitter, but she complained and complained all the time, that after 25% of the book I began to dislike her more and more. 

Also, the problems the two main characters had between each other could have been resolved in few pages, if only they talked with each other like two civilized human instead of getting into each other throats. 

Thirdly this time the romance was over the top, it almost  seemed like they worshiped each other, almost fell on their knees in the presence of one another. It was too much for my taste.

And finally, the ending for me felt a little bit rushed. 

Overall, I´m in a middle with this book. Definitely, give it a chance, maybe you like it more, than I did.

I’ve been missing historical romance lately and Wild, Wild Rake was just the ticket.



Avalon is a Cavensham cousin that we’ve seen briefly before. Here we meet her at 17 when she discovers the truth about the marriage her parents arranged. The bulk of this well written story takes place 10 years later when Avalon reconnects with Vicar Devan Farris.



I enjoyed both Avalon and Devan. They were entertaining characters and it was a treat to get to know them and see their emotional growth. I appreciated the bonds they made as they moved from potential adversaries to friends to more.



One of the things I enjoy most about the Cavensham stories is the fact that the heroines are all strong women. Avalon is no exception to this. Wild, Wild Rake was a treat to read and I am looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you St. Martins for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wild, Wild Rake
The Cavensham Heiresses #6
By: Janna MacGregor


*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
I love Regency romance, but Wild, Wild Rake is actually my first Janna MacGregor novel. I was not disappointed, and I intend to read the entire series. In this story, Avalon is a widow(gladly because her husband was a horrible man whom she never loved) with a son. On her own, Avalon can live as she chooses, so she works helping women who have fallen in the eye's of society by making them into business woman. Avalon is content with no intention to ever marry again. One day, a man sent by her son's guardian shows up unexpectedly. Devan Farris is a vicar with a rakish reputation. Although sent to, essentially, spy on Avalon, Devan has no desire to intrude on her life. Avalon is a very independent strong willed woman, and there is no need of a man in Avalon's world, particularly one who allegedly misbehaves. Devan has a bad reputation, but he has actually never been with a woman. Avalon doesn't know this, however, so she sees Devan in the wrong light. Over time, Devan falls for Avalon, but how can he possibly prove the falseness of his misdeeds? Will Avalon believe his innocence? She wasn't looking for a husband, but Devan has opened her eyes to the possibility of love. There are obstacles to overcome, emotional walls to tear down and heartaches to be mended. That is, of course, if it's possible for Avalon and Devan to accomplish all of this and admit their true feelings. The story is highly enjoyable and entertaining. I was immediately hooked and didn't want to put this book down at all! I like the easy style and pace of the writing. Overall, this is a very agreeable Regency romance that I do recommend for historical fiction romance enthusiasts. You'll love it!

This last story of the Cavendish Family by Janna is my favorite. Two unlikely people who start out not on the best of terms grow together and show their true selves to the other. Devan is a hero that we all wish, a rake but not what he seems and will falls for the heroine though doesn’t want anyone to know. Avalon is a heroine with a heart of gold who had a rough start. Though she doesn’t want to find love or marry again, she finds what she didn’t know she needed. Devon has a secret that surprises all. These two together are my favorite couple in this series. I didn’t want their story to end, just couldn’t stop reading. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Lady Avalon Warwyk had to marry her husband at the urging of her parents, and the two always loathed each other. She didn't mourn him when he died and took charge of her son and the estate left behind. Her son's guardian sent his brother, Vicar Devan Farris, to investigate how she was able to do that, as well as to check if she was squandering her son's inheritance. Devan has the reputation of being a rake, and never tried to disprove it. The two were at odds from the start, but Devan is sure that he is attached to Avalon from the start.

Wild, Wild Rake is one of the Cavisham Heiresses novels, but it's not necessary to have read those first. Over the course of the early chapters, we're told all we need to know about the family, in that they tend to marry for love and always encourage their family members to do so. Avalon is one of the Cavisham descendants, yet her parents didn't care about her feelings and had her marry for money and settling old debts. We know there's going to be a happily ever after at the end, and that the verbal abuse and isolation that Avalon had endured with her first marriage would be vindicated in some way. She built a life for herself afterward, helping women down on their luck and cultivating friendships with other women and the people in the village. Because of this, the threat Devan poses in the beginning is a very real one. Once he realizes it, Devan backs off and tries to defuse the threat as best as he can, and truly does come to care for the people of the village as well as Avalon.

Of course, there are complications along the way, in the form of their own misconceptions, Avalon's fear of repeating her past, ruined reputations and an out-of-nowhere villain to provide the threat to life and limb. Avalon throughout the novel tries to keep her emotions in check and in control of her future, which I really admire about her. Her son seems adorable and trying to be so mature even though he is nine years old, and I wished I got a chance to see more of him. Some of the other background characters are fairly flat, but some do eventually take on a bit more personality and are more fun to read.

Lady Avalon Pearce, Marchioness of Warwyck was forced into a marriage by her parents, but the only good thing to become of it was her son, Thane. Her husband was wicked and treated her horribly. Mr. Devan Farris resents her for breaking his friend’s heart, his friend was in love with her and wanted to marry her. Devin nicknamed her lady Warlock. These two have never gotten along so for Avalon to find him in her parish, to be their vicar and her son’s tutor was too much. She knows her son’s guardian and Devin’s brother Larkton has put him there to spy for him. I love how these two go from being enemies to finding out all the rumors about one another are not true, to become friends and falling in love. This is a captivating story of a too handsome wicked vicar and an independently beautiful woman who go from enemies to falling in love and find HEA! An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.

A delightful story about a vicar with a lot of secrets, and a young widow with a broken heart. Basically this book was just what I needed right now. I have only read one other book in the Cavensham Heiresses series, which I can now see it is a mistake, one that I need to correct quickly.

I will always love a good enemies to lovers story, which is what Wild. Wild Rake is. And I adored how cute this love story was.

Avalon is trying her best to help society, raise her son, and keep her heart safe. She truly hasn't had an easy life, and in the context of this story, it makes her story be even sadder. In a era when women had no choice, she was trying to help out other women as much as she could. I liked Avalon, and in some way I understood her. Her parents bargained her off for fortunes, her late husband hated her and spread vile rumors about her, and he eventually sent her away from London, with strict instructions never to return. It's no wonder then, that when she hears about Devan Farris coming to her town, the same Devan who calls her Lady Warlock, she's not impressed at all. I understood her prickly nature, and her tendency to remember every detail of an embarrassing situation, especially when faced with someone who, by her impression, wronged her in any way. I truly understood her then. I loved how she tried to help the people around her, no matter their situation or their standing in society. She helped women find jobs and a safe place to live in, and I truly loved her for it.

Devan was a mystery to me. Because of how Avalon sees him in the beginning of the book, I was intent on hating him and hoping for a carriage to roll down his foot or something equally painful. I wasn't prepared for how charming or caring he was, which won me over, much like he won Avalon. Of course, his teasing tendencies sometimes went a bit too far, which made his charm confusing to me. Though he's not entirely heartless, and he redeemed himself in my eyes when he understood that he may have taken that teasing just a bit too far. I did feel a bit bad for him once I understood him a bit more, because his oldest brother was.... let's say controlling. Anyway. He had chemistry with Avalon, I won't lie, and the way he treated her and her son made me like Devan.

I loved the twist at the end, and what Devan and Avalon had to do. I loved Sophie, Avalon's younger sister, and a tiny part wishes for her story to be told, even though we see how her life will be like in the ending of this book. I had no patience for her friend, Penelope, however, even though the life that awaited her sounded brutal and something no one deserves.

Unfortunately this is the last book in this series, but I think it was a good way to end the series. As always, one of my absolute favorite thing about historical romances is the author's notes at the end, and this one didn't disappoint either.

All in all, a delightful story, full of twists and turns, a good way to end a series that I plan on reading from the start very soon. I cannot wait to see what Janna MacGregor will write next.

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor
Cavensham Heiresses #6

What if your parents decided you should marry someone you did not want and that did not want you?
What if your husband openly and truly loved another woman but had to beget an heir?
What if you were verbally abused and sent away to live alone?
What if…

Well, Avalon was married off to a marquess and though she had position and access to money she was never happy as Richard’s wife. Ten years after she was widowed, with her young son beside her, she had made a good life in Thistledown. She had respect, loved the villagers and was loved in return, had a purpose, was solvent and perhaps a wee b it lonely.

Devan Farris is a Man of God with a wicked reputation. He is gorgeous, kind, likes to tease, smiles readily and loves to stir the woman he calls “Lady Warlock” up. His life’s path was determined by his eldest brother and though not the course he had hoped to follow he did make the best of it. When he ended up in Thistledown to spy on Avalon and Tutor her son Thane, well, sparks did begin to fly.

What I liked:
* Avalon: she had grit, vision, determination and managed to make the best of a bad situation.
* Devan: friendly, likable and a whole lot more than surface charm.
* Thane: a son who knew what was best for his mother and went about acquiring it
* Mary Bolen: a strong woman that loved deeply and did what s he had to to make a living
* The possibilities for stories about Henri (ladly’s maid), Devan’s three brothers,
* Sophie (Avalon’s sister) finding Marcus
* The tying up of Penelope’s story
* Side stories about the women who benefited from Avalon’s organization
* Pretty much all of it except…

What I did not like:
* Richard, Marquess of Warwyk – understood him but did not like the way he treated Avalon
* Penelope – though I finally understood her a little bit better after a few things were made known
* Renford – you will understand when you read the book
* Avalon’s parents – ewww

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

This is the first time in reading this author with it not being the last time I do believe. This drew me to it because of the promised content with the main character. Lady Avalon would be the type I would want to be if I lived back then. Women did not have a lot of choices with her helping that do be different. When Davan enters in you look even more closely because you know changes are coming. It seems too the shoe almost is on the other foot with the feeling of soul mate which was refreshing. This drew me in more and more as it unraveled and took us on this journey in time. Romance was at its height also in this one that fills the yearning for a good one.

This is the first of Janna MacGregor's books I've completely read. I found an earlier work disappointing and did not finish it, so I was more so pleased and delighted by this book. The writing and dialog are very good so I totally enjoyed reading this.
I found the story to be out of the ordinary in this genre. The story takes place in a small town in the country, where moral strictures were more closely watched. Guardians could easily take a child away from its mother, especially an heir, so I was anxious how this story would evolve.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy I received via NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Wild, Wild Rake is the first book I’ve read by Ms. MacGregor and it certainly won’t be my last. When I finished Wild, Wild Rake, I immediately went to Goodreads and added all of the other Cavensham Heiress books. That reaction really speaks to how I felt about this book.

When first diving in, I was struck by how familiar all the characters were in the book. Avalon has a jerk husband who is doing her no favors and yet he has a mistress who is far from what one would expect. Mary comes to Avalon’s defense at exactly the moment it’s needed and it changes Avalon’s life forever as is evident in her activities to take care of those around her throughout the book.

Fast forward a few years and Avalon’s husband has passed away. There’s a new vicor in town, Devon, who is just divine as much as Avalon doesn’t want to admit it. And yet the stars align and maybe, just maybe, someone can break into the fortress around Avalon’s heart.

In many ways, this story is completely relateable. We have all had someone(s) break us down and yet there’s always that one person who comes along, gets through and picks us up. We’ve all tried to be strong and avoid what’s really happening. We have all met that person who makes up a tale or two to swing fate the way they want it. I love that while this book takes place many years before our time, it still has current people issues.

I love the juiciness of this story too. I’m a sucker for it, what can I say?! And while I felt like I could guess which way the plot was headed, I was drawn in and didn’t want to put the book down. There was a point where I was chanting Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! in my head. I am definitely looking forward to reading more!

Thank you to Janna and HFVBT for the opportunity to read this book. I have voluntarily reviewed the book and the opinions expressed are my own.

Avalon and Devan have met before, and they do not like each other. He resents her for jilting his friend, and she believes him to be a rakish vicar. Her hateful and neglectful husband is dead, and Avalon lives on the country estate with her son Thane, who is now the Marquess Warwyck. She manages the estate and supports a charity that offers prostitutes a chance at a new life. Devan is sent at the request of his brother, who is her son’s guardian, to be vicar in Avalon’s local parish. His true purpose is to determine how Avalon is managing the estate, discover the source of money for her charity, and act as tutor for Thane. Will spending time together help them learn to understand and trust each other?

Appearances can often be deceiving. Neither Avalon or Devan is anything like their reputations (although Devan has encouraged his). They are kind, caring, honorable, and loving. Thane is an intelligent, observant boy who loves and wants to protect his mother. He is sweet, curious, and happy. With Avalon’s sister Sophia, the three of them make a wonderful family, the kind of family Devan wants to a part of. This is an interesting and heartwarming story. Sparks, romantic and otherwise, fly between the main characters. Snarky and witty exchanges add humor to the story. There is some tension, a little scandal, and some surprises. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to others in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley.

A Regency Romance that immediately pulled me in and kept me totally immersed in all that was happening and I truly loved the captivating characters, emotional and touching read. I just wasn't ready for the book to end when I got to the last page. I really liked Lady Avalon Warwyk a widow raising her son and taking care of everyone in Thistledown and loved her dynamic with the other characters especially charming vicar, Devan Farris who is a reported rake. No one writes Regency romance quite like Janna MacGregor and you really should read "Wild, Wild Rake" by this gifted author. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was my first book by Janna MacGregor and it is the last in this series....and I now want to go back and read them all from the beginning!!

Wild, Wild Rake was absolutely wonderful! I was so in love with these two characters. Lady Avalon Warwick is a widow with a young son. However, she never grieved her deceased husband - - there was never any love between them. Recently, a new vicar has arrived to their town. He happens to have been sent to tutor her son and to "spy" on Avalon. Devan Farris knew Avalon years ago and nicknamed her Lady Warlock when he didn't know her very well. Now he is getting to know not only her son but her as well and she is nothing like he thought. Likewise, Avalon finds Devan to be a kinder and more respectable man than she ever thought. It's quite enjoyable seeing them move from being somewhat enemies to lovers in this story. After everything Avalon had been through, it was nice to see her with someone like Devan who was a true man of quality as opposed to her first husband who was simply despicable. Just so you know, their path to a "happily ever after" isn't easy, but it's a fun journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's and Ms. MacGregor for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.